Player One Mars-M Mono planetary camera (Player One Astronomy, SKU: POA-MARS-M) is the first generation of the monochrome Mars-series camera, designed for planetary, lunar and solar imaging, EAA observations and autoguiding. Its Sony IMX290LLR 1/2.8" sensor provides a resolution of 1944 × 1096 px, a 2.9 µm pixel size and high sensitivity in the visible, ultraviolet and near-infrared ranges. At full resolution, the camera records up to 136 fps in RAW8 mode with 10-bit readout.

Key features

• monochrome Sony IMX290LLR sensor with a resolution of 1944 × 1096 px
• 2.9 µm pixel size with no Bayer-matrix interpolation required
• frame rate up to 136 fps at full resolution with 10-bit readout
• automatic HCG mode activated at a gain setting of at least 60
• 256 MB DDR3 buffer stabilising data transmission and reducing the risk of dropped frames
• adjustable sensor tilt plate helping to reduce Newton's rings during solar imaging
• DPS technology detecting and correcting the values of dead pixels
• peak quantum efficiency of approximately 80% and high ultraviolet and infrared sensitivity
• low-reflection AR Plus multi-coated protective window
• USB 3.0/2.0 interface, ST-4 autoguider port and overcurrent and overvoltage protection

Set contents

• Player One Mars-M Mono camera with 1.25" nosepiece
• USB 3.0 cable
• ST-4 autoguider cable
• M2 hex key
• 1.25" nosepiece cover
• air blower

Technical specifications

• manufacturer: Player One Astronomy
• model: Mars-M Mono
• SKU: POA-MARS-M
• sensor: Sony IMX290LLR monochrome CMOS
• sensor technology: STARVIS
• shutter: rolling shutter
• sensor format: 1/2.8"
• sensor diagonal: 6.46 mm
• active area: 5.6 × 3.2 mm
• resolution: 1944 × 1096 px, approximately 2.1 MP
• pixel size: 2.9 µm
• ADC: 12 bit
• full-well capacity: 14.6 ke⁻
• read noise: 3.2–0.98 e⁻ according to the manufacturer's table, with a minimum of approximately 0.7 e⁻ at high gain in the manufacturer's tests
• HCG mode: activated automatically from gain 60
• peak quantum efficiency: approximately 80%
• exposure range: 32 µs–2000 s
• frame rate at 1944 × 1096 px: 136 fps in RAW8 with 10-bit readout, 62.5 fps in RAW16 with 12-bit readout
• frame rate at 640 × 480 px ROI: 304 fps in RAW8 with 10-bit readout, 139.3 fps in RAW16 with 12-bit readout
• memory buffer: 256 MB DDR3
• data interface: USB 3.0/2.0
• autoguider port: ST-4
• mounting interface: 1.25" nosepiece and M42 × 0.75 thread
• back focus: 12.5 mm
• protective window: AR Plus, 21 mm diameter, 1.1 mm thickness
• body dimensions: approximately 66 × 66 × 38 mm
• weight: 180 g
• mounting thread: 1/4"
• supported platforms: Windows 7 SP1 or later, macOS and Linux; ASCOM and INDI support

The combination of a monochrome sensor, high capture speed and an ST-4 port allows the Mars-M to be used for planetary, lunar and solar imaging as well as for autoguiding an astrophotography setup.